Modular building structure

ABSTRACT

A building structure ( 1 ) comprises a supporting structure ( 2 ), a plurality of constructive units ( 3 ), configured to accommodate one or more users ( 20 ), at least a facility ( 4 ), which comprises a first functional portion ( 41 ) obtained inside the supporting structure ( 2 ); the supporting structure ( 2 ) comprises a plurality of seats ( 5 ), each seat ( 5 ) is configured to accommodate a respective constructive unit ( 3 ), each constructive unit ( 3 ) is independently insertable and removable from the respective seat ( 5 ), the facility ( 4 ) comprises at least a second functional portion ( 42 ) for each constructive unit ( 3 ) and placed in the constructive unit ( 3 ), the second functional portion ( 42 ) is configured to connect to the first functional portion ( 41 ) when the respective constructive unit ( 3 ) is inserted in the respective seat ( 5 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a modular building. The buildingaccording to the present invention can be usefully employed in theconstruction of residential premises, offices, common areas and stillmore.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known in the background art a building comprising a supportingstructure. In particular, such supporting structure comprises walls andfloors dividing it into a plurality of functional units, such as flatsor offices, in turn comprising several rooms. The building, to be fitfor use by one or more users, comprises facilities of different types,such as electrical, hydraulic, ventilation, gas, heating facilities orstill more. These facilities are generally obtained inside the wallsand/or floors of each functional unit.

PROBLEM OF THE PRIOR ART

Disadvantageously, in case a facility needs to be modified or renewed,disruptive interventions are required, as it is necessary to break thewalls and/or floors wherein the facility is contained, making the wholeconstruction unit or part thereof unfit during the work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention isto provide a building structure which overcomes the above describeddrawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to makeavailable a building structure enabling less invasive and more rapidinterventions.

The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantiallyachieved by a building structure comprising the technicalcharacteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Such building structure overcomes the technical problem in that itcomprises constructive unit modules that are insertable and removableinto/from a supporting structure. The single constructive units can bereplaced, while the supporting structure is intended for a longerlifetime. In particular, facilities comprise a first functional portionobtained inside the supporting structure, and at least a secondfunctional portion for each constructive unit, placed in theconstructive unit itself. When a constructive unit is inserted into thesupporting structure, the respective second functional portion isconnected to the first functional portion and the facility is active.

In case one or more facilities in a constructive unit need to bemodified or replaced, it is sufficient to remove the single constructiveunit and act on the single removed unit, in particular on the secondfunctional portion in the constructive unit. Thereby disruptiveinterventions on the supporting structure are prevented. When theconstructive unit is re-inserted into the supporting structure thefacility is made active again. Possibly, it is also possible to replacethe removed constructive unit with a new one that is already prepared,already provided with the required facility modifications. Working timesare thereby reduced considerably.

Thanks to the building structure according to the present invention itis possible to modify facilities with no invasive interventions and inshorter times.

Furthermore, such building structure enables to move the wholeconstructive unit in case a user desires to move from one office toanother.

LIST OF FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limitingdescription of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a buildingstructure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a building structure accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the building structure ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly step of the buildingstructure of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are a view from above of a portion of the buildingstructure of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a system comprising the buildingstructure of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the appended figures, 1 indicates a building structure1 according to the present invention.

According to a preferred solution, the building structure 1 according tothe present invention is designated as a residential complex.Alternatively, for example, the building structure 1 according to thepresent invention may be designated as an office complex or a publicstructure, such as a hospital.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the building structure 1comprises a supporting structure 2. The building structure 1 alsocomprises a plurality of constructive units 3, configured to accommodateone or more users 20.

The supporting structure 1 comprises a plurality of seats 5. Inparticular, each seat 5 is configured to accommodate a respectiveconstructive unit 3. More in detail, each constructive unit 3 isinsertable and removable from the respective seat 5 independently of theother constructive units 3.

In order to be fit for residential use, the building structure 1comprises at least a facility 4. In the hereafter description, the termfacility 4 will refer to the assembly of units designated to deliver autility inside a structure, intended to supply single devices inside thestructure itself. For example, the facility 4 may be a hydraulic, gas,ventilation, electrical, heating, network facility or still more.

In particular, the facility 4 comprises a first functional portion 41obtained inside the supporting structure 2. The facility 4 alsocomprises at least a second functional portion 42 for each constructiveunit 3, placed in the constructive unit 3.

For example, the first 41 and the second 42 functional portions areconfigured for transporting energy carriers of the consumption fluids.

It is worth noting that the second functional portion 42 is configuredto connect to the first functional portion 41 when the respectiveconstructive unit 3 is inserted into the respective seat 5.

More in detail, according to a preferred embodiment, the firstfunctional portion 41 comprises a plurality of first connection units410. Each first connection unit 410 is placed in a respective seat 5.According to such embodiment, each second functional portion 42comprises a second connection unit 420. Such second connection unit isconfigured to face the respective first connection unit 410 when theconstruction unit 3 is inserted into the respective seat 5.

In further detail, referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b , each secondconnection unit 420 is configured to be connected to the respectivefirst connection unit 410 when the constructive unit 3 is inserted inthe respective seat 5. For example, first 410 and second 420 connectionunits form a connection interface comprising male-female connectors.According to this embodiment, a user connects the second connection unit420 to the first connection unit 410 when the two connection units 410,420 are at such a distance as to enable the connection. Alternatively,first 410 and second 420 connection units comprise connection interfacesthat are configured to automatically connect by means of contact.

The supporting structure 2 comprises a façade 6, which has a pluralityof apertures 7. In this context, façade 6 means the assembly of one ormore walls facing an outer environment.

The supporting structure 2 further comprises horizontal and/or verticaldividing elements 8. Such dividing elements 8 are enclosed inside thefaçade 6. In particular, the horizontal dividing elements 8 divide thesupporting structure 2 into several floors. The vertical elements 8instead subdivide the inner space of a floor.

It is worth noting that the plurality of seats 5 is defined at theplurality of apertures 7 by horizontal and vertical dividing elements 8.Preferably, the number of apertures 7 being present on the façade 6corresponds to the number of seats 5. In particular, each aperture 7 issized such to enable inserting/removing the constructive unit into theseat 5, i.e. the width of an aperture 6 corresponds to the width of theconstructive unit 3.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b , it is worth noting thatthe seat 5 does not necessarily have the same size as the constructiveunit 3, but it can be larger. Preferably, the apertures 7 are mutuallyequally sized. Accordingly, also the constructive units 3 are mutuallyequally sized. Still more preferably, the constructive units 3 arestandard, i.e. they comprise a set of common elements, and can inaddition comprise other elements customizable by the one or more users20. Advantageously, it is possible to obtain a residential complexcompleted in a short time from a supporting structure 2 and a series ofstandard constructive units 3.

More in detail, each seat 5 is upperly and lowerly defined by therespective horizontal dividing elements 8. In particular, each seat 5 isdefined by a lower horizontal dividing element 8 and by an upperhorizontal dividing element 8. Each seat 5 is also defined by verticaldividing elements 8. Preferably, the seat 5 is defined by a rearvertical dividing element 8. The term “rear” means the side of the seat5 opposite to the aperture 7.

Optionally, each seat 5 is defined also laterally by two verticaldividing elements 8. Alternatively, a seat 5 is defined laterally by one(or no) vertical dividing element 8. This alternative form is useful incase continuity rather than separation between the several adjacentconstructive units 3 is desired, thereby defining a single volume.

Referring to FIG. 3 , inserting/removing the constructive unit 3 occursby sliding within the respective seat 5. In this regard, each seat 5comprises a guide 91 and each constructive unit 3 comprises slidingmeans 9 configured to slide into the guide 91. The guide 91 and thesliding means 9 are adapted to enable a correct positioning of theconstructive unit 3 into the respective seat 5 when it is insertedtherein. Preferably, the guide 91 is placed on the lower horizontaldividing element 8.

Each constructive unit 3 comprises a platform 11. Such platform 11 is abase support which accommodates other elements forming part of theconstructive unit 3 itself. Preferably, the platform 11 is configured toslide on the lower horizontal dividing element 8 of the respective seat5. According to such embodiment, the lower horizontal dividing element 8is configured to accommodate the platform 11 of the constructive unit 3when it is inserted in the respective seat 5. According to a preferredembodiment, the sliding means 9 comprise wheels 14. Such wheels arepreferably underlying the platform 11. According to such embodiment, theguide 91 comprises grooves configured to accommodate such wheels 14 andsized consistently with them.

Preferably, each first connection unit 410 is located in the respectiveseat 5 at the rear vertical dividing element 8. Accordingly, the secondconnection unit 420 of the respective constructive unit is arranged at aplatform 11 end. In particular, the second connection unit 420 is placedat the platform 11 end which faces the rear vertical dividing element 8when the constructive unit 3 is inserted into the respective seat 5. Inother words, when the constructive unit 3 is inserted into therespective seat 5, the second connection unit 420 is located at the partopposite the aperture 7.

Each constructive unit 3 comprises a floor 12, placed above the platform11, and frames 13. It is worth noting that the second functionalportions 42 of the facility 4 are at least partially gathered inside thefloor 12 and/or the frames 13.

Each constructive unit 3 comprises closure elements 10. Such closureelements are placed at a platform 11 end, in particular at the oppositeend with respect to the second connection unit 420. Such closureelements 10 are configured to be positioned at the respective aperture 7when the constructive unit 3 is inserted into the respective seat 5.More in detail, the closure elements 10 are placed above the respectiveaperture 7, entirely covering it, when the constructive unit 3 isinserted in the respective seat 5. The closure elements 10 are furtherconfigured to guarantee thermal insulation. Preferably, closure elements10 comprise elements for filtering the natural light and/or for savingheat. Preferably, such closure elements 10 comprise a window 15 and/or adoor and/or a French window. Still more preferably, closure elements 10comprise a veranda 16. According to a preferred embodiment, such veranda16 protrudes outwardly with respect to the seat 5 wherein theconstructive unit 3 is inserted. According to such embodiment, theveranda 16 may comprise solar panels 17.

Each constructive unit 3 has at least a side free from outer walls. Inother words, each constructive unit 3, singularly forms a space at leastpartially open. Each constructive unit 3, when inserted in therespective seat 5, defines a closed space with the respective seat 5.Such space is lowerly defined by the platform 11 of the constructiveunit 3 and upperly defined by the respective upper horizontal dividingelement 8 of the seat 5. Such space is further closed at the aperture 7by closure elements 10. Furthermore, such space may be referred to asingle constructive unit 3 or to a plurality of adjacent constructiveunits 3. In other words, a single flat or office may extend inside oneor more constructive units 3 placed side by side.

According to a preferred embodiment, the constructive unit 3 maycomprise one or more of the following elements pre-assembled on theplatform 11: inner walls, kitchen, bathroom, furniture items and variousdevices, such as TV set and/or lights, even built-in in an inner wall,and still more. In other words, the constructive unit 3 according tosuch embodiment comprises what makes the space fit for use by one ormore users 20. Preferably, the constructive unit 3 also compriseselements intended to improve the air quality inside the living space.For example, the constructive unit 3 comprises a system for filteringair and/or a system for measuring/adjusting the content of carbondioxide.

Preferably, the frames 13 extend along the length and width of therespective platform 11. Thereby, the second functional portions 42 areadapted to connect to the various devices being present and to deliverthe utilities inside the whole living space.

The present invention also has as an object a system 100 comprising theabove-described building structure 1. Such system 100 comprises, inaddition to the building structure 1, a control unit 101 for eachconstructive unit 3. Such control unit 101 is connected to therespective second functional portions 42. The control unit 101 maycomprise one or more hardware components and/or one or more softwareprogrammes for controlling the second functional portions 42. Theimplementation of the control unit 101 can be made on local hardware, inone or more virtual machines and/or can be distributed on one or moredevices connected in the network via cables or wireless connections.

The system 100 comprises a user interface 102, placed in signalcommunication with the control unit 101. Advantageously, the user 20 canmanage by the user interface his own living space and the devicesconnected to the respective second functional portions 42. For example,the user interface 102 enables to adjust and/or control the lightsand/or environmental conditions of the living space, such as the carbondioxide content and/or air conditioning/ventilation facilities. The userinterface 102, for example, is formed in a panel placed inside theconstructive unit 3 and/or in a mobile device.

The system 100 also comprises a central unit 103, placed in signalcommunication with each control unit 102. Such central unit 103 isconfigured to monitor the performances of the whole building structure 1acting on the single control units 101. For example, the central unit103 is configured to keeps consumptions under predefined thresholds suchas to the optimise energy saving.

1. A building structure comprising: supporting structure having a façadehaving a plurality of apertures and horizontal and/or vertical dividingelements, a plurality of constructive units, configured to accommodateone or more users, at least a facility comprising one first functionalportion obtained inside the supporting structure; said supportingstructure comprising a plurality of seats, each seat being defined bysaid dividing elements at said plurality of apertures, each seat beingconfigured to accommodate a respective constructive unit, eachconstructive unit being independently insertable and removable from therespective seat, each constructive unit comprising a platform configuredto slide onto the lower horizontal dividing element of the respectiveseat, said facility comprising at least one second functional portionfor each constructive unit and placed in the constructive unit, saidsecond functional portion being configured to connect to the firstfunctional portion when the respective constructive unit is inserted inthe respective seat, wherein each constructive unit, when inserted inthe respective seat, defines with the respective seat at least partiallya closed space, the closed space being defined below from the platformof one or more adjacent constructive unit and above from the respectiveupper horizontal dividing element of the corresponding seats.
 2. Thebuilding structure according to claim 1, wherein each constructive unithas at least one side with no external walls, each constructive unitrealizing individually a space at least partially open.
 3. The buildingstructure according to claim 1, wherein the first functional portioncomprises a plurality of first connection units, each first connectionunit being placed in a respective seat, each second functional portioncomprising a second connection unit configured to face and be connectedto the respective first connection unit when the constructive unit isinserted in the respective seat.
 4. The building structure according toclaim 1, wherein each constructive unit is configured to slide into therespective seat to be inserted or removed, each seat comprising a guide,each constructive unit comprising sliding means configured to slide intothe guide to allow a correct positioning of the constructive unit whenit is inserted in the respective seat.
 5. The building structureaccording to claim 1, wherein each constructive unit comprises closureelements placed at an end of the constructive unit, said closureelements being configured to be positioned at the respective aperturewhen the constructive unit is inserted in the respective seat to definea closed space.
 6. The building structure according to claim 1, whereineach platform comprises floors and frames, said second functionalportions of the facility being enclosed at least partially inside saidfloors and/or frames.
 7. The building structure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein each constructive unit defines with therespective seat a living space when it is inserted in said seat.
 8. Thebuilding structure according to claim 4, wherein said sliding meanscomprise wheels underlying said platform.
 9. The building structureaccording to claim 5, wherein said closure elements comprise a window.10. A system comprising: a supporting structure having a façade having aplurality of apertures and horizontal and/or vertical dividing elements,a plurality of constructive units, configured to accommodate one or moreusers, at least a facility comprising one first functional portionobtained inside the supporting structure said supporting structurecomprising a plurality of seats, each seat being defined by saiddividing elements at said plurality of apertures, each seat beingconfigured to accommodate a respective constructive unit, eachconstructive unit being independently insertable and removable from therespective seat, each constructive unit comprising a platform configuredto slide onto the lower horizontal dividing element of the respectiveseat, said facility comprising at least one second functional portionfor each constructive unit, and placed in the constructive unit, saidsecond functional portion being configured to connect to the firstfunctional portion when the respective constructive unit is inserted inthe respective seat, wherein each constructive unit, when inserted inthe respective seat, defines with the respective seat at least partiallya closed space, the closed space being defined below from the platformof one or more adjacent constructive unit and above from the respectiveupper horizontal dividing element of the corresponding seats, whereinthe system also comprises: a control unit for each constructive unit,connected to the respective second functional portion; a user interface,in signal communication with the control unit, a central unit, in signalcommunication with each control unit.